in their prime

USAGE SUMMARY

'in their prime' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is at their peak of physical or mental excellence. For example, "The dancers were in their prime as they performed the most difficult choreography."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few star players arrive in their prime.

Independent

All were athletes leaving in their prime.

The New York Times - Sports

French Londoners are often in their prime.

The Economist

All were in their prime.

Stanford University

AIDS kills adults in their prime.

The New York Times - Magazine

Better than Munster in their prime?

The Guardian - Sport

In their prime they were arrogant and self-assured.

The New York Times

Men  in their prime felt all-powerful, impregnable.

Independent

They are in their prime the last of June.

The New York Times - Books

Pacino and De Niro in their prime take some beating.

The Guardian - Film

Payton, Webber and Carter were also traded in their prime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in their prime" to add emphasis to the peak condition of someone or something, highlighting their optimal performance or capabilities. It's effective in sports writing, biographies, and marketing materials.

Common error

Avoid using "in their prime" to describe a period that is merely good or successful, but not truly the best or most effective. Save this phrase for instances where the peak is undeniable and well-documented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their prime" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that someone or something is at the peak of their capabilities or condition. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their prime" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something at the peak of their abilities or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "at their peak" or "in their heyday" exist, "in their prime" offers a specific emphasis on the period of optimal performance. To use it effectively, ensure you're accurately representing the peak period and avoid attributing it to times that are merely good but not exceptional. Ludwig's examples provide ample context for its proper usage, making it a valuable tool for writers seeking to add emphasis and precision to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at their peak

Focuses on the highest point of achievement or capability.

at their best

A general term indicating optimal condition or performance.

in their heyday

Emphasizes a period of great success, popularity, or power.

at the summit of their abilities

Emphasizes the culmination of skills and talents.

at the height of their career

Specifically refers to the pinnacle of professional achievement.

in their most productive years

Highlights a period of high output and accomplishment.

in top form

Highlights the physical or mental condition of being at one's best.

in full bloom

Implies a state of flourishing, often used metaphorically.

in their golden years

Refers to the most successful or productive period.

at the zenith of their power

Focuses on the highest point of authority or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "in their prime" in a sentence?

You can use "in their prime" to describe someone or something at their peak. For example, "The athlete was /s/at+their+peak during the Olympics" or "The company released its best product /s/during+its+heyday".

What's a good alternative to "in their prime"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at their peak", "at their best", or "in their /s/golden+years", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on their prime" instead of "in their prime"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "in". Saying "on their prime" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used.

Can "in their prime" be used for both people and things?

Yes, "in their prime" can be used to describe both people and things that are at their peak of performance, quality, or success. For example, "the band /s/in+their+heyday" or "the athlete at their peak".